Newsletter - Term 4 - Week 8 - Issue 134

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of St Joseph’s College,

As a school community, we recently celebrated the College’s 69th Presentation Evening Year at the Empire Theatre. It was gratifying to see so many parents able to attend the events and witness the achievements of our students across a variety of areas including Joey’s Way, Memorial, Service, Special and Merit Awards for each year level. Each award recipient has demonstrated the Ricean value of Endeavour in their respective area, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge their individual achievements.

Last Thursday our 2024 Seniors were farewelled by the St Joseph’s Community. The day commenced with our student community farewelling our Year 12s at the Graduation Assembly before an emotional final parade and clapout. The celebrations of our journey together continued with the Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner held at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The graduates were gifted with a small artist palette charm which affirmed our school theme for 2024 “With these hands we create”. The dinner provided an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the completion of a thirteen-year school journey. The seniors of 2024 have made this year at St Joseph’s College memorable for many reasons, however, I will cherish their kindness, sense of humour and above all else, their mateship. I have equally admired their tenacity and “can do” attitude. I can say with confidence that this cohort of seniors has left a positive legacy and will make an impact well beyond the gates of St Joseph’s College.

In staffing news, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tom Moore as Assistant Principal Mission and Identity for 2025. Tom replaces Ms Kellie Marie Ford who is on secondment to Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office for a twelve-month period. Tom has over thirteen years of experience as a teacher of Religious Education and Physical Education in the Toowoomba Diocese. He has held pastoral middle leader positions at St John’s School Roma and St Joseph’s College Toowoomba. More recently Tom has held acting positions at St Joseph’s College as Assistant Principal Religious Education (2023) and Acting Program Leader Student Engagement (2024). Ms Elle Moss has been appointed as Rice House Leader for 2025. Elle has been in this position for term 4 of this year and has performed the role of House Leader during 2023. She comes with extensive teaching and leadership experience in several schools.

The College welcomes Mr Tim Stone to St Joseph’s College in 2025. Tim comes with significant teaching and leadership experience having taught at Wilsonton SHS, Oakey SHS and St Joseph’s College Toowoomba. He will be teaching in the Mathematics and Science Teams and his extensive involvement in the sport of basketball will make Tim a very welcomed addition to the College community.

The College also welcomes Charmaine Firkins has been appointed for a 12-month contract at St Joseph’s College in 2025. Charmaine is backfilling behind Brain Cantwell (leave 2025) and Ben Gehrmann (Acting Curriculum Leader Technology 2025). She has extensive teaching experience at St Mary’s College Toowoomba where she has taught a variety of ITD subjects since 2021. Prior to that, Charmaine taught in the Visual Art and E-technology disciplines.

This Friday represents the final day of the year for our Year 10 and 11 students. I congratulate them for their efforts in their respective learning programs and for the contribution made in extracurricular events and the religious life of the school. Many of these students have been acknowledged for their efforts and high standards with an invitation to the Merit Dreamworld Trip on Friday 22nd November.

In 2025 the College will formally implement our Eligibility Criteria for participation in extracurricular events. The intention of these criteria is to set clear standards for all students in order to represent the College at non-compulsory events. The criteria which will be released on our college website for the commencement for 2025 and will clearly outline the standards expected of students in relation to behaviour, engagement in learning and school attendance, and importantly the path back when a student is not meeting expectations. The criteria also outlines the expectation for parents/guardians in relation to commitment to payment of agreed school fees. This means that fees are up to date for each family’s individual agreement whether that be the full schedule or agreed concession. These criteria have been trialled with our Year 11 and 12 cohort during Semester 2 and after consultation with our staff, Parent Engagement Network and Student Leadership Group. The driver for this initiative was born from feedback from parents, students and staff in the School Renewal and Improvement Report (SRIP) conducted earlier this year. Data collected thus far has demonstrated a noted improvement in student engagement and achievement which is in the interest of both each learner and the broader school community.

Jim Brennan - Principal - jbrennan@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

Farewell – Graduates of 2024

Last week we held multiple key rites of passage for our graduates of 2024, including Graduation Assembly, Presentation Night and Graduation Mass and Valedictory Dinner. We wished these graduates our prayers and blessings as they depart the College gates for the last time to make a positive difference to our world. Sincere congratulations and thanks to the parents of our graduates, for the care and guidance that you have continually given to your sons/daughters over their years at the College. Congratulations.

Thanks also to our dedicated St Joseph’s College teachers and staff for your encouragement and expert instruction ensuring the students achieve their best possible results. WATCH: 7News covered the celebration.

Presentation Night

Last Tuesday 12 November we held out annual Presentation Night at the Empire Theatre. We celebrated the whole St Joseph’s College community and the achievements from 2024. Thank you to all those families who were able to attend this event. We have been asked to share copies of the videos presented on the night. The recording of the whole evening will be available shortly. Please refer to the links below.

• Academic Highlights: https://youtu.be/T5yn446R83M
• Cultural Highlights: https://youtu.be/pMKGS9bFqJk
• Mission and Identity Highlights: https://youtu.be/fgPkh8II3qg
• Sporting Highlights: https://youtu.be/V0vnoJdnEWA
• Leadership and Engagement Highlights: https://youtu.be/IvJQ57tROOU

End of Year, College Yearbook and 2025 Calendar

The year concludes for Years 10 and 11 students on Friday 22 November at 3.00pm, and for Years 7, 8 and 9 on Friday 6 December at 3:00pm (supervision provided on Friday 6 December and parent permission slip in email). 

A 2024 College Yearbook and 2025 College Calendar has been issued to the eldest child in your family this week during Joey’s Way.

Mr Brendon Willocks - Deputy Principal – bwillocks@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Curriculum

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate students who have received Endeavour cards this year.  Aspiring to Excellence and Participating and Persevering cards have been embraced by both students and staff.

We have recognised students for academic excellence by presenting Gold, Silver and Bronze awards which were based on the number of A’s they received for each semester and will again present Semester 2, 2024 results next year when we return in the new year.  This will be based on the student's Semester 2 report card for Years 7 – 10 and designed to encourage all students to live out the values of the Joey’s Way and acknowledges students for Endeavour: in particular in the areas of Aspiring to Excellence. 

For Year 7 to 10 students, report cards will be published in Sentral in the first week of the holidays.  I would ask that you go through the report card with your child and ask them to reflect on their overall results and learner attributes.  

For Year 11 students we have commenced Unit 3 work and in some areas students have actually completed their first internal piece of assessment already. Report Cards for Unit 3 will occur in Term 1 next year.

2025 Timetables

All students entering Year 9,10 and 11 were sent copies of their allocated subjects for next year.

Changes are limited, but need to be finalised by the end of this term.  Please contact Mr Bill Whiting bwhiting@sjc.qld.edu.au if your child is entering Year 10 or 11 and Mrs Kirstie Andrews (kandrews@sjc.qld.edu.au) is entering Year 9. 

If your child is enrolling in the Diploma of Business with Aurora, please finalise your enrolments this term with the company. For further information please contact Mrs Maree Harman (mharman@sjc.qld.edu.au)

We are excited about the new SJC Health Hub in partnership with Mater Education. Our health hub aimed for Year 10 and Year 11 students, will enable them to achieve a Certificate II in Health Support Services and a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. Students enrolled in this course will be completing the Health Hub on a Thursday at the College.

Kerrie-Anne Fellenberg - Assistant Principal - Curriculum - KFellenberg@sjc.qld.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Student Engagement

We are coming to the time of the year when fatigue levels are slightly high than perhaps they were earlier in the year. Often, this is the time when we see an increase in reports of bullying or harassment between students. No school, including St Joseph’s, would ever be wise to claim that bullying and harassment does not affect its community members. As such, staff, students and parents must continue to work together to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all community members.  

School TV has a range of short but highly informative videos for parents. You can access the relevant page here: 

https://sjc.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying 

In terms of our proactive strategies to ensure right relationships at St Joseph’s College, we have: 

• Developed and publicised our Joey’s Way framework and emphasised the importance of imperatives like ‘Respect Unconditionally’, ‘Use Empathy’, ‘Celebrate Diversity’, ‘Practise Honesty and Integrity’ and ‘Speak and Act Safely’. 
• A robust and purposeful Joey’s Way Curriculum taught each morning from 8:30-9:00am that covers topics like Restorative Practices, Character Strengths, Mental Health and Relationships and Sexuality Education. 

In terms of our responsive strategies to ensure right relationships, we utilise:

• Our Student Engagement Guidelines detail our guiding principles and strategies for maximising student engagement in learning. Section 4.9 (page 10) also outlines our anti-bullying processes: 

Bullying in any of its forms has no place at St Joseph’s College. All members of our school community must be able to enjoy a safe school environment, free from fear or harassment.  

At St Joseph’s College, we define bullying as the utilisation of a power imbalance by one person or group of people to oppress another student. A power imbalance can be on the basis of age, physical size, capability in a particular activity, social status or number of people.  Bullying includes, but is not limited to physical bullying, emotional bullying, psychological bullying, racial harassment or sexual harassment. If a student believes they or a peer is being bullied, they can take the following steps:  

1. If it safe to do so, calmly ask the person to stop the behaviour that is making them threatened.  

2. Report the bullying to a trusted adult, this can be a parent, guardian or a staff member.  

3. Report the bullying via Stymie, an anonymous reporting platform (see section 4.7)  

If bullying is reported to the college, we will take the following action:  

1. Manage the situation discreetly and recorded on our database.  

2. Offer support to the victim of bullying  

3. Investigate the incident using witness testimony and surveillance cameras where applicable.  

4. If necessary, utilise a formal sanction according to our Transgressing The Joey’s Way Compendium  

5. If appropriate, the College may invite relevant students to partake in a Restorative Conference. 

All this information, including relevant policies and guidelines, is detailed on the College website under ‘Student Engagement’.  

Thank you in anticipation of your support as we continue to ensure that all members of our community are safe and included. 

Joseph Cryle - Assistant Principal - Student Engagement -  JCryle@sjc.qld.edu.au 

From the Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

The College was thrilled to welcome back a group of Alumni from the Year 10, 1974 class for a school tour to mark their 50 Year Reunion.

Many stories were told about their time in each of the classrooms from Year 4 to Year 10, and it was wonderful to see the life-long friendships that had grown from their time at SJC.

During their school days, St Joseph's College was an all-boys school and in 1974 Brother Brian Saward had just taken over as Principal from Brother Donald Robertson.

The group also proudly joined in together to sing the College Song and long-lost College war cry in the Chapel.

Kellie-Marie Ford - Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity - kford@sjc.qld.edu.au

McAuley House

Christmas is a celebration that spans cultures and generations, holding a special place in our hearts. As our homes light up with festive decorations and an air of warmth and joy, we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Christmas. However, it's important to remember that Christmas is more than just a holiday; it's a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and empathy.

One of the most significant aspects of Christmas is the act of giving. We exchange presents to show love and appreciation for our loved ones. However, Christmas giving should go beyond material gifts; it should come from the heart, not just the wallet. For instance, a simple act of kindness, like helping a neighbour with their gardening or doing volunteer work, can have a profound impact.

Our college theme this year, 'With These Hands We Create,' aligns with the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion, kindness, and love. Born in Dublin in 1778, she dedicated her hands and heart to caring for the poor, sick, and less fortunate. Through our theme, we are reminded that with our hands, we too can create positive change and embody the values of Catherine McAuley.

Catherine McAuley's teachings remind us of the core principles at the heart of Christmas. She once said, 'We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us,' emphasising the importance of spreading love and goodwill. This idea resonates with the Bible verse Matthew 5:16, which states, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." During the Christmas season, we should embody mercy and compassion by giving to those in need, letting our actions reflect the true spirit of the holiday.

As the school year ends, it's a good time to reflect on how we have shown compassion and mercy. Inspired by Catherine McAuley's example, let's continue to make a difference this Christmas season by extending our kindness and support to those in need. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful break, filled with warmth and happiness.

Melissa Zenke - Student Engagement Middle Leader - McAuley House - mzenke@sjc.qld.edu.au

Sport

The 16-year-old girls' futsal team has continued its impressive winning streak since the tournament earlier this year. After securing second place in the local competition, they travelled to Brisbane and achieved a top-four finish, earning an invitation to the prestigious Australian Champion of Champions school tournament.
On the weekend of November 8-10, the team journeyed to Mount Warren Park, near Beenleigh, to compete in challenging conditions marked by oppressive heat. The venues lacked windows to alleviate the heat, relying solely on large fans that circulated the warm air within the facilities.
The tournament commenced on Friday at 10:15am, where the girls faced Kotara High School from New South Wales (south of Newcastle). The match began with a strong performance from our team, culminating in a 6-4 victory. The girls displayed remarkable determination throughout the game, and we kept cool with plenty of ice blocks.
Next, the team competed against St. Bede's Catholic School, which travelled from Canberra to participate. This match proved to be a fierce contest, with St. Bede's narrowly defeating us 4-3. The heat took a toll on both teams, making hydration a challenge.
After a brief respite in an air-conditioned store, we returned to the stadium for our final match that day at 2:45pm against Bellingen High School, also from New South Wales (south of Coffs Harbour). In a closely contested game, we emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, before heading back to our accommodations to cool down in the air condition rooms.
Saturday morning began early, as our first match was scheduled for 8:45am against Robina State High School from the Gold Coast. Despite being less than enthusiastic morning participants, the team delivered an outstanding performance, winning 4-1.
Our last game of the day was at 11:00 AM against Stretton State College from Brisbane. A win would secure our place in the semifinal on Sunday. The match was tough, with the heat and fatigue becoming factors, yet we managed to secure a 4-2 victory.
Following a return trip to Toowoomba, we made our way back to Hibiscus Indoor Sports Stadium for the semifinal match against Bellingen, vying for a spot in the grand final. The game was tightly contested, with Bellingen scoring early in the first ten minutes, causing initial doubt among our players. However, we regrouped and equalized, maintaining a 1-1 score for much of the game. A potential goal from a sideline kick was disallowed by the referee, who ruled it was improperly placed.
With three minutes remaining, Bellingen scored quickly, followed shortly by another goal. Ultimately, we lost the match 3-1, though it was evident that either team could have claimed victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of futsal. Bellingen went on to win the competition.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Lockwood, whose support throughout the weekend was invaluable and greatly appreciated. And of course, to the girls who played exceptionally well all weekend. The College can be very proud of their success.

From the weekend round of games, an All Stars team was selected for each of the age groups. Congratulations go to Sienna Lockwood and Marley Jackwitz on being selected in this team. Both girls will travel overseas to compete further as part of these teams.

Year 7 and 8 AAG Basketball Competition

On Thursday, November 14th, three enthusiastic basketball teams participated in the annual AAG Basketball Competition.

Two boys' teams, each consisting of 11 players, travelled to St Mary’s College to compete. Team 1 faced tough challenges, losing matches against both St. Mary’s College and Toowoomba Grammar. However, they showcased resilience by defeating Concordia in the 3rd and 4th place playoff, ultimately securing a commendable third place for the day.

The second boys' team competed against Toowoomba State High and Toowoomba Anglican School. Despite their hard work and determination, they fell short in these matches due to size and strength disadvantages. They also faced Concordia for the 3rd and 4th place matchup but concluded their day in fourth place.

Meanwhile, the girls' team, under the guidance of Mr Tim Richardson, travelled to Glennie. They faced Fairholme, Glennie, and Concordia, emerging victorious in each match. Their crossover semi-final was a notable success, propelling them into the Grand Final against Fairholme College. The girls demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity, ultimately claiming victory and celebrating their well-deserved win.

A special acknowledgment is warranted for the support provided by Sami Hunter and Kystal Timms. Both girls were invited to assist Mr Richardson in officiating and scoring the games, a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the competition. Remarkably, they ended up refereeing seven games as several other schools were unable to provide referees, and they willingly volunteered their services. Their commitment exemplifies outstanding community service, exceeding all expectations.

A special thank you to Mr Richardson for again giving of his time and coaching knowledge to support the girls in their quest for that elusive win.

A special acknowledgment is extended to Mr Maripa for his invaluable contribution as the coach of both boys' teams on the day of the event. The College, along with the student-athletes, expresses profound gratitude for his expertise and unwavering commitment to the development of these young men.

PE Spare Uniform Program Update

In the past year, our Physical Education department has successfully implemented a program providing spare PE uniforms for students who forget to bring their attire to class. This initiative has enabled students to actively participate in practical lessons rather than being sidelined or referred to the Ignatius Room.

However, we have encountered a challenge: many of the uniforms and shoes issued have not been returned. This has hindered our ability to continue offering this valuable service for the remainder of the year. We will also struggle to commence this service in 2025.

We kindly request that any students in possession of borrowed uniforms or shoes return them to the MacKillop Centre. Additionally, if any students no longer require their sports uniforms or have outgrown them, we would greatly appreciate any donations to our uniform collection. Your cooperation will help us maintain this essential resource for our students.

Debbie Newtown - Program Leader - Sport - DNewton@sjc.qld.edu.au

Connecting with Careers

As we near the end of 2024, we thank you for your engagement with the Careers Team this year. For continuing students and their families, we look forward to building on relationships and discovering pathways from our new office in the Mary Rice Building in 2025. 

Defence Careers Events 

Thursday (December 5, 2024) 

Defence Careers Australia - Women in Defence Virtual Information Session 

The Australian Defence Force provides a supportive, inclusive and respectful workplace where you can grow both personally and professionally. 

Tune in for a virtual info session to speak with current serving women in Defence to learn more. 

Spaces are limited, so register ASAP! 

Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

Location: Online 

Details and Registration: 

https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/ig0ao9o  

Defence Careers Australia - Toowoomba: Defence Careers Information Session 

Wondering whether a job in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the right fit for you? 

Come along to an upcoming info session where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn everything you want to know regarding job roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

You'll have the chance to speak with current serving members to see if an ADF career is the one for you. 

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited! 

Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

Location: Toowoomba ADF Careers Centre 

Teen mental health matters: For parents and carers  

November 25, 2024  

Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar focused on providing strategies and resources to help you in supporting your teen.  

Co-hosted by a Clinical Psychologist facilitator, and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter, we will explore:  

1. How to make sense of adolescence.  
2. Identify signs of mental health struggles.  
3. Understand how to support your teen.  
4. Know where you and your teen can get support.  

This webinar is free and open to all parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in supporting the mental health of teens in their care. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey towards greater well-being for you and your family!  

Find out more  

Interested in a career in Indigenous Health? 

There are many types of job opportunities available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health sector, from dental assistants to dieticians, from physiotherapists to paramedics, from nurses to neurosurgeons. Some health jobs involve working in hospitals and clinics, while others involve working in private practices or out in the community. Some jobs suit people who like working behind the scenes, while others suit people who love face-to-face contact with the public. You will find more information on the Indigenous Health Heroes website. 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) 

Are you wanting to gain practical work-related skills or a qualification towards a specific occupation? Explore a range of VET programs as they offer flexible, targeted training options and can also lead to university. Click the links below to find out more possibilities and options: 

• Learn more about VET 
• Log in to search courses (you need to register which is free to do) 

2026 QTAC Guide Competition 

Over 50,000 copies of the QTAC Guide are distributed across QLD each year and QTAC is asking for students to interpret the concept 'Choose the Future' or '50 Years' to feature on the 2026 QTAC Guide front cover. Entrants must be enrolled in Year 12 in Queensland for 2025. Entries are open so start designing now! 

Discover Volunteering Opportunities 

Whether you're passionate about sport, animal welfare, or the environment, volunteering opens the door to exciting and rewarding experiences. By Hanging Out to Help Out, you can make a positive impact in your community, meet people, and develop new skills that benefit your life. 

For more information please contact the Careers Team.

Maree Harman - Career Development Practitioner  -  mharman@sjc.qld.edu.au

Cate Jackman - Careers Support Officer  -  cjackman@sjc.qld.edu.au

Stationery Aid

As we approach the time of year where decluttering school stationery becomes a priority, could you think about donating your unused, or partly used, stationery to a fantastic QLD charity – Stationery Aid.

Started by a Brisbane Mum and Dad, their aim is to divert usable stationery from landfill and simultaneously help financially disadvantaged students get all their books for the school year. 

They are now working with Officeworks in Toowoomba (Hume Street), who provide a drop-off point for bags of stationery. These donations go to their warehouse where they are sorted, then sent to partner schools to be refurbished e.g. pencils sharpened, items cleaned, books covered and used pages removed, etc.

St Joseph’s has been working with Stationery Aid since May this year, testing hundreds of donated whiteboard markers that will go into school book packs for 2025.

For information on what they can accept please go to: www.stationeryaid.org.

Congratulations to our students!

2025 ELEVATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Congratulations to Year 12 graduate Abbey Wilson on receiving a 2025 Elevate Scholarship from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering. Elevate aims to address inequities in STEM through comprehensive scholarships enabling diverse opportunities for women. The College is incredibly proud of Abbey's achievement and looks forward to watching her journey throughout her studies.

Isabel O'Dempsey- Art Exhibition

Congratulations to graduating Year 12 student Isabel O’Dempsey for having her artwork accepted to be on show at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery for the Creative Generation Excellence in Visual Arts Awards. This is a prestigious exhibition that showcases the elite of the region. Isabel’s artwork is one of 40 artworks in the show; for a student to have their artwork exhibited in a professional gallery is a testament to the quality of the work. Isabel aspires to work as an Architect.

The exhibition runs until 24 November.

SJC - Community News

Our Parent Business Directory has begun and you may see some of our parents business in our column beside our newsletter! We would like to include more businesses. If you would like to be featured please send through any details and/or business graphics to: marketing@sjc.qld.edu.au

Uniform Shop

EFTPOS only - No Cash accepted until further notice.

Beat the back to school rush, come in now and grab what you need for next year.

The uniform shop is stocked up and is ready for all your summer needs.

We do have in stock the new All-Purpose Jacket and they are available in store for $99.00.

Don’t forget we also sell black formal leather shoes in store.

We have drink bottles, scarves and hair accessories.

If you have a student going into Year 11 next year don’t forget to grab your white shirts or blouses.

Out of stock:

• Tracksuit pants S, M, L, and XL
• Boys Sport Shorts XL

Orders can be made online, paid for over the phone and all orders can be delivered to student entrance for your child to collect from there.

Online orders can also be delivered to your home for a fee.

Online ordering is available at all times and will only be packed during shop trading hours.

Pass Phrase StJC1956

Second hand items and Football items not available to order online, but are available in store or payment over the phone.

Please contact the uniform shop on the below details:

Phone:           07 4631 8514

Email:             sjct@midford.com.au

Ordering Online Process

www.midford.com.au     pass phrase StJC1956

Second hand uniforms are also available at the Uniform Shop.

If you have used uniform items that would like to donate, please drop off to the Uniform Shop during opening hours.  Donations are greatly appreciated.

If you have used uniform items that you would like us to sell for you, please call into the uniform shop and collect a “Used Clothing” form. Used uniforms items MUST be in good condition, hems intact, no holes, stains or missing buttons. They also need to washed, ironed and be the current uniform. 

If you have any questions, please call us on 4631 8514 during opening hours.